Winnipeg Blue Bombers release receiver after sexual assault allegation
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers released veteran receiver Jalen Saunders earlier this week after investigating an allegation of sexual assault against him.
The CFL team let Saunders go Wednesday.
The move came amid reports a 22-year-old woman has filed a formal complaint alleging Saunders pressed to enter her apartment and pressured her for sex before assaulting her despite repeated pleas for him to stop.
"On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the WFC was made aware, via social media, of an alleged sexual assault involving one of our players, Jalen Saunders," the Bombers said in a statement. "Immediately, our club advised the individual who came forward to notify the Winnipeg Police. At the same time, we began our internal review of the off-field incident, following the CFL policy of Violence against Women.
"After our internal review, this player was immediately released from the roster by our organization. The Winnipeg Football Club takes violence against women and sexual assault seriously, and thanks the individuals for coming forward on this."
Winnipeg signed Saunders in April. He last played in the CFL in 2018, registering 45 catches for 739 yards and two touchdowns in nine games with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Saunders signed with Ottawa in 2020 before the CFL cancelled the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He never got on the field in 2021 after being involved in a serious car accident.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.